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In the last offence, said the judge: “You confronted an elderly lady and issued a threat to her.

“The reality is that everybody should feel safe in their home and the impact of dwelling house burglaries on such people is often profound.

“It’s particularly profound in relation to elderly people who need their home to be a sanctuary.

“And frankly the impact of these offences on a number of the victims has been profound.

“It’s hard really to think of offences in which there are more features to aggravate them.”

He said he did not underestimate the fact that Thompson, of Mayfair Avenue, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, had “a number of significant problems” from his life experiences.

“But the consequences for others are significant,” he added.

“And until you address the underlying problems that you’ve got, primarily relating to drug use, the sad reality is that you will continue to come back before these courts and the sentences I’m afraid will become longer and longer.

“I’m heartened to a degree to hear that you now acknowledge that really something must be done, and it’s to your credit that you’ve made that recognition.”

He urged Thompson to tackle his issues in prison, “so that when you come out we’re not confronted with this situation again.

“It does appear to have been something which has gone on for many years.”

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Stephen Constantine, defending, said Thompson was in a “somewhat permanent state of intoxication” at the time and was shocked to read the statement of the elderly woman, who believed she would suffer violence at his hands.

“Carl Thompson is quite horrified that things went that far,” said Mr Constantine.

“There was not any intention to cause her any injury, nor does she complain of any.

“He doesn’t have a great deal of recollection but accepts that he must be guilty.

“He says in his letter he wants to apologise to those against whom he has offended. He can do that through me.

“It’s going to be a significant sentence. The principal mitigation is his plea of guilty. He does show some genuine remorse.

“While on remand, he’s showing an intention to try and rid himself of the problems that appear to have blighted his life.”